''A mind-blowing collection'' of 400 racing, street and classic cars, as well as supercars and ''cars of style'', would be driven or specially transported into the region for the three-day event, Queenstown Auto Extravaganza chairman Miles Wilson said.
Held every two years, the event aims to raise funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
''Cars have been coming in thick and fast, and each seems to come with an incredible story,'' he said.
Saturday's indoor Salon of Style and New Zealand motor racing exhibition will feature a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB, 2009 James Bond Aston Martin DBS Volante, 1957 Mercedes 300SL, 2007 8c Competizione Alfa Romeo Super Car and a brand-new Mercedes Benz SLS gull-wing.
Famous historic racing cars in the show include the McLaren Elva M1B, PDL Mustang 1 and a 2003 Dodge Charger Kasey Kahne Nascar.
The Rilean ''What's in your Garage?'' public car show has attracted several rare cars from around the country, including a 1973 Jaguar E-Type, 1923 Ford T-Bucket and a 1960 Corvette fuel-injected convertible.
''The range of models is just fascinating, covering a broad spectrum of cars across the motoring era. There are some real specialty pieces in the line-up, from hand-crafted hot rods to totally un-roadworthy supercars,'' Mr Wilson said.
Former New Zealand Grand Prix winner and Formula Ford champion Jonny Reid will attend the event as a guest speaker and ambassador for the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
He will drive a Porsche GT3 race car in timed sprints in Sunday's QT Rides Eighth Mile Sprint in Dalefield.
''There's probably no greater ride of your life than burning through the picturesque Queenstown Lakes against the clock,'' Mr Wilson said.
''The eighth mile delivers just that, marking a fantastic finale to the weekend and promising spectators a front-row assault on all the senses as cars launch off the line with screeching tyres and roaring engines.''
The event starts on Friday with an evening car cruise to a mystery location.
On Saturday, the Rilean ''What's in your Garage?'' outdoor public car show takes place at the Queenstown Events Centre, alongside Queenstown's first indoor Salon of Style and New Zealand motor racing exhibition.
The day comes to a close with the Blues Party Night.
Sunday sees the QT Rides Eighth Mile Car Sprint involving some of the biggest and fastest cars from the show.
• For more information on registering cars and booking tickets for the show go to www.queenstowncarshow.co.nz
